“Adaptive ocean observation” refers to fixed or mobile observing platforms being able to autonomously adjust measurement/operational parameters based on the oceanographic environment and signals, aiming at acquiring key information of the observed oceanographic processes.
Adaptive detection and sampling by Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have achieved unprecedented accuracy and efficiency in studies of upwelling fronts and other oceanographic processes.
The synergistic efficacy of an ocean observing system depends on the complementary functionalities of fixed and mobile platforms and their adaptive observation capabilities.